LIZZIE BORDEN LIVE Saturday, November 15, 2008

Bob Gutowski · Post by **Bob Gutowski** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 2:52 pm

The theatre was on a street in Providence featuring an occasional Greek Revival house in between more substantial, beautiful dwellings. On the way into the lobby we happened upon LeeAnn Wilber, looking as pretty as we've ever seen her. She told us we'd see Stef and Shelley and the rest upstairs, and we surely did.

Jill Dalton was riveting as our lady of Fall River; her Lizzie is perhaps a gayer, more deliciously witty creature than the real Miss Lizbeth, but perhaps, having bought that mansion, Lizzie did become the social butterfly she had always felt herself to be! That forced gaiety is also a shield against the anguish this Lizzie (whether innocent or not) lives with every day.

Ms. Dalton's play tells the difficult and detailed story well, and even dares to do it non-linearly. The nearly full house was most appreciative, and it was wonderful to finally see this production after having to miss it a few times. Between meeting Jill and her director and lighting and sound designer afterwards, and chatting and posing for pictures with Stef and Shelley and the gals, it felt like old home week for this Bordenian!

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 11:11 pm

Bob, thanks for making the effort to get to Providence and see the play. We missed you in New York.

Any chance we can start seeing any of those pictures that were taken?

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 9:37 am

It was a real pleasure seeing everyone Saturday night. The play was sold out Saturday night -not room for a mouse! I hear Friday night was also well-attended. I have posted a little slideshow of photos on Warps and Wefts at the link below. I looked around at one point -and people were barely BREATHING in the audience- riveted on the stage. Yes, Jill Dalton WAS a tour de force. I have not seen a one-woman performance like this since Belle of Amherst! On another note- I must say I must be getting old- I did not get home until 2 a.m. after the apres-play dinner at Julian's and really felt it Sunday morning! Oh, for those days when I could hoot with the night owls and crow with the roosters!

Bob Gutowski · Post by **Bob Gutowski** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:06 pm

What fun to see the slide show! There's a shot of me with my mouth wide open that some would call "iconic.'

JoAnne · Post by **JoAnne** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:27 pm

I , too, cannot say enough about how wonderful the play and Jill's performance was. I would gladly see in again in a heart beat. I truly believe that as with most live performances , no two are exactly the same. I think Jill , herself, has even said she gives different shades to the performance depending on her mood.

Bob G. ,it was great to finally meet you.

We had a great time at the after gathering at Jillians. Quite a unique restaurant! The music was really wild!!!!

Bob Gutowski · Post by **Bob Gutowski** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 12:03 pm

Right back at ya, JoAnne!